Difficulty: Advanced
Canada
In the first episode of this documentary on Quebec, a young Frenchman shares his impressions on Canada. As the interviewees in the film demonstrate, the Quebecois have conflicting attitudes toward the French—some see them as "snobs," while others see them as just "polite."
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
Galileo is about to throw caution to the wind and reveal his startling discoveries about planet Earth.
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
Even the bus drivers will admit it: Parisian buses have a tendency to run late. But the drivers aren't to blame, since they're hindered by car traffic like everyone else. Luckily, the interviewer in this video has some "good humor patches" to soothe any frustrated straphangers!
Difficulty: Advanced
Canada
In the second episode of Le Québec parle aux Français, we learn more about the complex relationship between the French and the Quebecois throughout history. We also learn about the evolution of the French language in Quebec—according to a former Prime Minister of Quebec, the province even "spoke French before France"!
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
Marion, our guide, takes us to Place de la Bastille (Bastille Square), where the old Bastille fortress was stormed during the French Revolution. The guillotine was installed on the square for a very short time, but was nevertheless the site of a whopping 75 executions. Nowadays, the square hosts some much less sinister events, such as the Bastille Day (French national holiday) celebrations and the annual Gay Pride Parade.
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
Galileo is under close scrutiny because of his Copernican views. Unfazed, he carries on his research and his teachings. Will the Inquisition bring his demise or will his powerful friends, Pope Urban VIII among them, protect him?
Difficulty: Beginner
France
You can count on Lionel to give you a fun and thorough introduction to numbers in French! From counting the thirteen ducks on the lake to explaining how the higher numbers are constructed, Lionel will tell you all you need to know to become an expert at French numbers.
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
After the farm visit, it's time for our angora rabbit and goat breeder to show us around her boutique, where you can stock up on fluffy angora wool sweaters and super light and warm socks to help you enjoy the winter in comfort.
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
In her first hit single, "Dernière Danse" (Last Dance), Indila shares her troubles, her loneliness, and her sense of rejection in the big city of Paris. Her sweet suffering (douce souffrance or douce France) is a melancholy echo of classic French songwriting, underlining her struggles and lending pathos to her courage.
Difficulty: Advanced
Canada
The situation of the French language in Quebec is controversial and complex. Montreal was an English-speaking city until 1920, and it wasn't until the passage of Law 101 in 1977 that French became the official language of Quebec. According to some of the interviewees in this video, Québécois French is in a precarious position once again, with municipal signage and corporate names in Montreal reverting to English, as well as shopkeepers who refuse to speak French.
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
Galileo faces an uncertain future. Behind the scenes are political and religious intrigues and enemies plotting his downfall. The Pope, until now sympathetic to Galileo, has a change of heart. Under pressure from all sides and insulted by his latest works, The Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems, portraying the Church's view through the character Simplicio (Simpleton), the pope finally sends Galileo to the Inquisition Tribunal.
Difficulty: Beginner
France
The Place des Vosges, located in Paris's Marais neighborhood, is a gorgeous square with a rich history. Formerly the royal square of Henry the Fourth, the area was also the home of two of France's most renowned literary figures, the Marquise de Sévigné and Pierre Beaumarchais.
Difficulty: Beginner
France
If you've been wanting to learn archery, Sylvestre will tell you everything you need to know about the bow and arrow. With a little practice, you'll be hitting the bull's eye in no time!
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
Galileo is in prison. He tries one more time to prove his theories to his inquisitor. But he finally recants during the trial saying the famous sentence: "and yet... it turns"
Difficulty: Intermediate
France
Here's the trailer for La Belle et la Bête (Beauty and the Beast), a new French film based on the famous fairy tale first published in 1740. While some of you may be most familiar with the Walt Disney or Jean Cocteau versions, this recent release is an attempt to recapture the spirit of the original tale while also giving it more of a contemporary twist.
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